PHF Member Handbook - Parkland Community Health Plan, Inc.

What if I need urgent care
Urgent care is when you have a medical problem that is not an emergency. You must first call your PCP at the
number shown on the front of your ID card. If you would like to speak to a nurse you can call the Parkland Nurse
Line at 1-888-667-7890 or locally in the Dallas area at 214-266-8773. When you call, the nurse can help assist in
deciding whether you need to go to the emergency room. Many illnesses do not need to be treated in the ER.
- A cold, cough, rash, small cuts, minor burns or bruises are not good reasons to go to the ER.
If you need urgent care, you should be seen by your PCP within 24 hours after you ask for care.
What if I have an emergency
If you have an emergency, go to the closest Emergency Room (ER) right away or call 9-1-1.
Emergency care is a covered Medicaid service. Emergency Medical Condition means a medical condition
manifesting itself by acute symptoms of recent onset and sufficient severity (including severe pain), such that a
prudent layperson, who possesses an average knowledge of health and medicine, could reasonably expect the
absence of immediate medical care could result in:
(1) placing the patient’s health in serious jeopardy;
(2) serious impairment to bodily functions;
(3) serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part;
(4) serious disfigurement; or
(5) in the case of a pregnant women, serious jeopardy to the health of a woman or her unborn child.
You should be seen the same day if you need emergency care.
Some good reasons to go to the ER are:
Very bad chest pains
Poisoning or overdose of medicine
Choking or problems breathing
Possible broken bones
Uncontrolled diarrhea or vomiting
Heavy bleeding
Serious injuries or burns
Fainting
Suddenly not being able to move
Victim of violent attack (such as a mugging)
Thoughts of causing harm to yourself or others
Severe confusion or disorientation
If you do go to the ER, be sure to tell them that you are a Parkland HEALTHfirst member
and remember to call your PCP within 24 hours.
093-MH-050509
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